HC Deb 16 November 2001 vol 374 c975W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the establishment of border inspection posts in the United Kingdom by the European Commission Food and Veterinary Office. [14812]

Mr. Morley

Community law requires that all products of animal origin from third countries enter through, and are subject to checks at, a border inspection post (BIP).

Before a BIP can operate it has to be approved by officials of the European Commission Food and Veterinary Office (FVO). FVO veterinary experts will inspect the facility to ensure that the layout, structure and procedures comply with Community requirements.

Once approval has been given this must be ratified at the Standing Veterinary Committee who will adopt a decision amending the list of approved BIPs.